Second-hand Video Game Buying Guide in Akihabara, Japan

As a gamer, you most likely will be overwhelmed the first time you step in Akihabara. So many stores, so many games, and so many options. Where to begin? What should you do? Here we present to you the second-hand video game buying guide in Akihabara, Japan!

 

#1 Understand that mostly in Japanese

If you’re buying used games with the intention of playing them, unless you understand Japanese, it may be best not to shop at small stores, as it’s nearly impossible to find anything with English language options prior to the most recent generations of consoles.

 

#2 Checking the price

Price-checking is very important. Most copies of the same game will have around 100 JPY differences between stores. This is one of the reasons that finding places nearer to you can be an option, not always having to be in Akihabara. The same game out of Akihabara can be several hundred yen cheaper, leading to massive savings.

 

#3 Shop with patience

Patience is the key! If you’re looking for a certain game, you can wander around different stores until you find it. Used game stores recycle their inventory relatively quickly, and you never know when someone will offload the one you’re looking for.  If it’s not available, then patiently make a stop in a used goods shop whenever you have time, maybe it’s your lucky day.

 

#4 Great places in Akihabara

Here are some best retro video game stores in Akihabara: 

1) Super Potato: Retro game store for all ages

Phone Number: 03-5289-9933

 

2) Friends

Phone Number: 03-5812-2471

Hours of Operation: Open Wednesday through Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.

 

3) Retro Game Camp

Phone Number: 03-3253-7778

 

4) Surugaya Specialty Store

Phone Number: 03-3256-7277

Hours of Operation: 11am-9pm on weekdays and 10am-9pm on saturday and sunday.

 

5) Mandarake Complex

Phone Number: 03-3252-7007

Hours of Operation: Open daily 12 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

6) Trader

 

7) Book-Off

 

#5 Consider online options to buy

Are you aware of online options to buy video games? Since it’s much more common to find bad deals online, because many of them are counting on a lack of in-person price checking. Also, you can have a rotation of stores that you know of, so that you can compare prices and inventory regularly.

 

Do you have any video games in mind that you’re interested in? What genre of video games are you most interested in? Mention in the comment section!